Academics

Welcome from the Vice Principal, Ethan Van Drunen

At Woodstock, students discover their passions and develop their strengths while undertaking a curriculum that is challenging, engaging, and experiential.

At Woodstock, we know that how we learn is as important as what we learn. We use the ‘Understanding by Design’ framework to ensure that students learn to ask essential questions and self-reflect, even as they work to achieve clear learning objectives. Our preschool through Grade 12 curriculum is rigorous and relevant, drawing from the best international programmes and taking full advantage of the school’s unique Himalayan setting.

Woodstock’s academic programme meets the needs of students headed to university all around the world and culminates in an American High School Diploma. External examinations include the UK Cambridge IGCSE at Grade 10 and the US College Board Advanced Placement Examinations in Grades 11 and 12.

In December of 2016, Woodstock School made the decision to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. Following a phased implementation approach, Woodstock will offer the IB’s Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-8 from July 2017. Pending full authorization from the IB, the Woodstock Class of 2021 will be the first cohort of students to graduate with both the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Students graduating in the Class of 2018, 2019 and 2020 will be unaffected by this change.

Woodstock’s educational vision holds that the purpose of education is to elicit the greatness that resides within each and every person. We believe that great human beings live with compassion, humility, grit and creativity. As such, our set curriculum includes carefully designed learning experiences that extend well beyond the purely academic sphere, to include enrichment and student life. Students are guided toward a set of Desired Learning Outcomes, which include the development of a profound sense of self, healthy interpersonal relationships, a deep sense of global citizenship, and the skills to survive and thrive in today’s world.

Learn more about Mr Van Drunen

Ethan Van Drunen has an Ed.M. in International Education Policy from Harvard University, a BS in Social Studies Education from Taylor University, and joint Principal Certification through the University of San Francisco and Washington State University.

Prior to his arrival as Woodstock’s Vice Principal in 2016, Ethan Van Drunen served as the Director of the Myanmar International School in Yangon, and worked at the International School of Belgrade (2007-2009) and at Woodstock (2004-2007). Ethan is married to Jamie Vinson, who has worked as an English teacher and an education specialist with multi-lateral organisations and development agencies. Ethan and Jamie originally met as teachers at Woodstock and now have two young children. They enjoy hiking and climbing in the Indian Himalayas.

To read more about the various aspects of our Academic Programme, please click the links below: